The Michael J. Fox Foundation Launches New Funding Opportunities for Parkinson's Research

May 08,2013

NEW YORK, NY-The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is today announcing the launch of three new funding programs focused on driving research toward transformative treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease (PD). Two programs will promote critical work on the promising therapeutic targets LRRK2 and Parkin. A third program allows researchers to propose developing biomarkers of cognitive impairment in PD. The new funding opportunities are open to both academic and industry researchers.

LRRK2 Role in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease 2013MJFF invites proposals that can establish whether pathological mechanisms linked to LRRK2-associated parkinsonism underlie the more common idiopathic forms of PD. A clear answer to this question would provide additional insight into underlying causes of PD and greatly energize efforts to develop and test LRRK2-targeted therapeutics beyond those populations with established LRRK2 genetic parkinsonism.

Parkin Biology & Therapeutic Development 2013MJFF invites proposals that promote understanding of the biological function and therapeutic potential of Parkin. Mutations in the Parkin gene explain a large proportion of PD cases occurring before the age of 40 and could represent a promising therapeutic agent to alter the course of PD.

Cognition Biomarkers RFA 2013MJFF invites proposals aimed at developing biomarkers of cognitive impairment in PD useful for future clinical trials. Particular emphasis will be on projects designed to develop biomarkers that identify transition between normal and impaired cognition, as well as between cognitive impairment and dementia.

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchAs the world's largest private funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $325 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world.